9 Painted Brick House Exterior Ideas
Painting a brick house exterior is one of the most effective ways to update your home’s curb appeal without a full renovation. Whether you love the classic charm of brick but want a fresher look or you’re aiming for a modern upgrade, painted brick offers endless possibilities. From timeless neutrals to bold, statement-making shades, this design choice can completely transform the personality of your home.
In this guide, we’ll explore 9 painted brick house exterior ideas that strike the perfect balance between beauty and practicality. You’ll discover color options, style combinations, and design tricks to help you make the most of your home’s exterior.
1. Classic White Painted Brick for Timeless Elegance
Few exterior choices are as timeless as a white painted brick house. White brightens your home, highlights architectural details, and pairs beautifully with almost any trim or landscaping style. It’s a favorite for traditional homes but also works with modern farmhouse or coastal aesthetics.
Pairing white brick with black shutters or a dark front door adds contrast and depth. To create extra warmth, consider natural wood accents like a cedar front door or rustic porch beams.
👉 If you love bright, airy exteriors, you might also like our post on white house black trim ideas, which shows how to use contrast effectively.
2. Soft Neutrals for a Warm and Welcoming Look
Neutral tones such as beige, taupe, and greige create a cozy yet sophisticated curb appeal. Unlike stark white, these shades bring a softer character to your painted brick, blending seamlessly with natural surroundings.
A neutral painted brick house exterior is especially popular in suburban neighborhoods where homeowners want a refreshed look that doesn’t feel too bold. Pair it with warm wood garage doors, stone pathways, and lush greenery for a balanced design.
👉 For more inspiration on using subtle shades outdoors, explore our guide on neutral exterior house colors.
3. Moody Charcoal or Dark Gray for Modern Style
For homeowners who want a bold yet refined look, painting brick in deep charcoal or dark gray creates instant modern curb appeal. These colors emphasize clean lines and architectural details, making them ideal for contemporary homes.
To prevent the look from becoming too heavy, balance dark painted brick with lighter trim or metal accents. Warm outdoor lighting also enhances the overall mood, creating a striking evening presence.
👉 Thinking of going darker? You’ll love our article on black exterior house ideas for more dramatic design inspiration.
4. Warm Earth Tones for Natural Harmony
Earthy tones such as terracotta, soft brown, or muted clay hues can make your home feel grounded and inviting. These painted brick shades are perfect for blending your home with a natural or rustic landscape.
Earth tones pair beautifully with stone accents, wooden porches, or copper fixtures, giving the home a warm and organic charm. If your house is surrounded by trees or sits in a more rural setting, this palette enhances the connection to nature.
👉 Want to explore more natural palettes? Check out our tips on earth tone exterior paint colors.
5. Two-Tone Painted Brick for Depth and Dimension
A two-tone painted brick house exterior adds visual interest and personality. This approach works especially well on homes with distinct architectural sections—like gables, chimneys, or accent walls—that can be highlighted with a contrasting color.
For example, you might use white brick as the main color while painting a portion of the brick a darker shade, such as charcoal or navy. This technique emphasizes architectural details and makes your home stand out.
👉 For more ways to enhance architectural features, see our post on exterior house trim ideas.
6. Navy Blue Brick for Coastal or Contemporary Appeal
If you’re looking for a unique yet versatile option, navy blue painted brick offers a refreshing alternative to gray or black. Navy has a rich, sophisticated quality that feels both modern and classic.
This color works beautifully for coastal-inspired homes when paired with crisp white trim. For a more contemporary feel, combine navy brick with metallic accents like brushed steel or matte black fixtures.
👉 For more bold exterior inspiration, explore our guide on blue house exterior ideas.
7. Black Painted Brick for Striking Contrast
Painting your brick black creates a strong, modern statement that instantly elevates curb appeal. While it’s undeniably bold, black brick can look incredibly sleek when paired with the right design elements.
Adding wood or natural stone accents can soften the look, while lighter trim ensures the house doesn’t appear too heavy. Black brick also makes landscaping pop, especially with vibrant green plants or colorful flowers.
👉 For more dramatic design inspiration, visit our collection of black house exterior ideas.
8. Whitewashed or Limewashed Brick for Vintage Charm
Not ready to fully cover your brick? A whitewashed or limewashed brick exterior offers the best of both worlds by allowing some of the original brick texture to show through. This technique creates a weathered, old-world look that’s full of character.
It’s an excellent choice for historic homes or anyone who wants a softer, vintage style. The slightly faded effect adds warmth and charm, making your house feel welcoming and unique.
👉 If you’re considering textured finishes, you may also like our post on stucco house exterior ideas.
9. Accent Brick with Painted Features
Sometimes, painting the entire brick exterior isn’t necessary. Instead, you can highlight certain features—like the front porch, chimney, or garage—with a coat of paint while leaving the rest in its natural brick tone.
This approach creates contrast without overwhelming the home’s original character. For example, painting just the trim or entryway brick in a bold shade can add depth and modern flair while maintaining classic appeal.
👉 Looking for more small updates that make a big difference? See our article on front door color ideas.
Tips for Choosing the Best Painted Brick House Exterior Color
- Test before committing: Paint a small section of your brick to see how it looks in different lighting throughout the day.
- Match your architecture: Traditional homes often pair well with whites and neutrals, while modern homes look great in darker, bolder shades.
- Balance with landscaping: Your exterior color should harmonize with surrounding greenery, stone, or hardscaping.
- Consider long-term maintenance: Painted brick can require upkeep, so choose a color you’ll love for years.
Final Thoughts
A painted brick house exterior offers endless design opportunities, whether you want a bright, airy look, a cozy neutral palette, or a bold, modern statement. By experimenting with color, finishes, and accents, you can transform your home’s curb appeal and make it uniquely yours.
Whether you choose timeless white, moody charcoal, or something in between, these ideas provide inspiration for creating a home exterior that reflects your personality and style.
